Performance Grading Index (PGI)

Why in News

The Union Education Minister has approved the release of Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2019-20 for States and Union Territories.

• The PGI is a tool to provide insights on the status of school education in States and UTs including key levers that drive their performance and critical areas for improvement.

Key Points

• About the Performance Grading Index (PGI):
  
  • Background: The PGI for States and Union Territories was first published in 2019 with reference year 2017-18.
    
    • The PGI : States/UTs for 2019-20 is the third publication in this series.
  • Objectives:
    
    • The PGI exercise envisages that the index would propel States and UTs towards undertaking multi-pronged interventions that will bring about the much-desired optimal education outcomes.
    • The PGI helps the States/UTs to pinpoint the gaps and accordingly prioritise areas for intervention to ensure that the school education system is robust at every level.
  • Implementing Agency:
    
    • It is initiated by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL).
  • Source of Information:
    
    • The information on the indicators are drawn from data available with the DoSEL from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), National Achievement Survey (NAS) of NCERT, Mid Day Meal website, Public Financial Management System (PFMS) and the information uploaded by the States and UTs on the Shagun portal of DoSEL.
  • Methodology:
    
    • The PGI is structured in two categories, namely, Outcomes and Governance & Management and comprises 70 indicators in aggregate with a total weightage of 1000.
    • Domains under categories include: Access, Infrastructure & Facilities, Equity, Governance process.
• Important Findings of the PGI 2019-20:
  
  • State-wise Performance:
    
    • Shows that 33 States and UTs have improved their PGI scores in 2019-20 compared to the previous year.
    • Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Puducherry, Punjab and Tamil Nadu have improved their overall PGI scores by 10%.
  • Inter-state Differential:
    
    • On a maximum possible of 1000 points, the range between the States and UTs with the highest and the lowest score is more than 380 points in the year 2019-20.
• Domain-wise Performance:
  
  • Access: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Punjab have shown improvement of 10% or more in the ‘Access’ domain.
  • Infrastructure and Facilities: Thirteen states and UTs have shown improvement by 10% or more in ‘Infrastructure and Facilities’ while Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Odisha have improved their scores in the domain by 20% or more.
  • Equity: In ‘Equity’, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Odisha have shown an improvement of more than 10%.
  • Governance Process: 19 states have shown improvement by 10% or more.
    
    • Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Punjab, Rajasthan and West Bengal have shown improvement by at least 20%.

Way Forward

• A reliable, timely and participative information system coupled with a robust and efficient data analytics framework is the key to successful implementation of any Government programme.
• In the arena of School Education & Literacy, guided by the enabling legislative framework of the Right to Education, the National Education Policy 2020 and visionary Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Government Schemes like Samagra Shiksha (SS), Mid-Day Meal (MDM) and similar such schemes by the States would deliver the desired result if they are monitored effectively.
• The framework of a real time data availability system (namely, UDISE+, Shagun, etc.) and an objective and holistic performance evaluation framework provided through the PGI would provide the right combination for effective implementation of policy in the School Education sector.
• A performance-based grant would provide the required incentive to the States and UTs to ensure their continuous and focused attention to this sector, which is crucial for overall growth and development of the country.

Source: PIB

US Suspends Retaliatory Tariffs on India

Why in News

Recently, the US suspended imposition of retaliatory tariffs against six countries, including India, that had begun imposing digital services tax on companies such as Google and Facebook.

• Other than India, the countries slapped with this tariff proposal are Austria, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

Key Points

• Background:
  
  • Tariffs were imposed after the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) noted that the Digital services taxes adopted by India, Italy and Turkey discriminate against US companies and are inconsistent with international tax principles.
    
    • Under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, the USTR enjoys a range of responsibilities and authority to investigate and take action to enforce US national interests under trade agreements and respond to certain foreign trade practices.
• Reason for Suspension:
  
  • Multilateral Solution:
    
    • To allow time for ongoing international tax negotiations to continue. The US is seeking a multilateral solution while maintaining the option of imposing tariffs under Section 301 if warranted in the future.
  • Damage to Global Economy:
    
    • The six countries potentially impacted are passing through a weak post­ Covid-19 recovery and opening a new trade war front could be damaging not only to them, but also to the broader global economy.
    • The combination of depressed economic activity owing to the effects of the pandemic and tectonic shifts in global supply chains engendered by the US’ trade war with China has already left many economies in a weakened condition.
  • Change in Administration:
    
    • Under the previous US government (Trump) USTR was used to promote what his administration considered to be free, fair and reciprocal trade, specifically to close the gap or balance of trade between the US and foreign governments.
    • However, the new administration (Biden) appears to be seeking a middle path of waving the stick of the USTR while allowing some space for continued tax negotiations with the nations concerned.
• Impact on India:
  
  • Loss of Revenue:
    
    • The tax levied by the Finance Bill, 2021, could yield approximately USD 55 million annually.
    • Negotiations with the US that may result in the scaling back of this tax would imply that a part of this revenue would be lost to the exchequer, depending on the final rate agreed.
  • Impact on Exports:
    
    • Close to USD 118 million of India’s exports to the US would be subject to the tariff proposed by the USTR, impacting 26 categories of goods such as:
      
      • Basmati rice, cigarette paper, cultured pearls, semi-precious stones, certain gold and silver jewellery items and specific types of furniture products.
  • Growth Prospects:
    
    • Any escalation matrix of retaliatory taxation with the US would damage its growth prospects at a crucial point in its laborious recovery.
    • However, India will also not be able to simply abandon its articulated intent to tax global tech firms, which have generally enjoyed low­tax operations across numerous jurisdictions.

Way Forward

• As India is racing towards becoming a digital giant, the 2% DST should be negotiated to avoid any hurdles in its implementation. India should consider its options carefully at this juncture.
• Further, there needs to be international consensus on taxation on a digital economy.

Source:TH

Chemical Weapons Convention

Why in News

Recently, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) informed the United Nations (UN) that in 17 cases chemical weapons were likely or definitely used by Syria.

• OPCW was formed under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) 1997.

Key Points

• Chemical Weapons:
  
  • A Chemical Weapon is a chemical used to cause intentional death or harm through its toxic properties.
  • Munitions, devices and other equipment specifically designed to weaponize toxic chemicals also fall under the definition of chemical weapons.
• Chemical Weapons Convention:
  
  • About:
    
    • It is a multilateral treaty banning chemical weapons and requiring their destruction within the stipulated time.
    • Negotiations for the CWC began in 1980 at the United Nations Conference on Disarmament.
    • The convention was drafted in September 1992 and opened for signature in January 1993. It became effective from April 1997.
    • It makes it mandatory to destroy old and abandoned chemical weapons.
    • Members should also declare the riot-control agents (sometimes referred to as ‘tear gas’) in possession of them.
  • Members:
    
    • It has 192 state parties and 165 signatories.
    • India signed the treaty in January 1993.
  • Convention Prohibits:
    
    • The development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, or retention of chemical weapons.
    • Transferring of chemical weapons.
    • Using chemical weapons.
    • Assisting other States to indulge in activities that are prohibited by the CWC.
    • Using riot-control devices as ‘warfare methods’.
• Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons:
  
  • About:
    
    • It is an international organization established by the CWC in 1997 to implement and enforce the terms of the CWC.
    • By the 2001 Relationship Agreement between the OPCW and the UN, the OPCW reports on its inspections and other activities to the UN through the office of the Secretary General.
    • The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.
  • Headquarters:
    
    • Hague, Netherlands.
  • Functions:
    
    • It is authorized to perform inspections to verify that signatory states are complying with the convention.
      
      • This includes a commitment to grant inspectors full access to chemical weapons sites.
    • It also performs testing of sites and victims of suspected chemical weapons attacks.
    • It also provides for assistance to and protection of States attacked or threatened with chemical weapons, cooperation in the peaceful use of chemicals.
• Indian Initiative:
  
  • The Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000 was passed to implement the CWC.
  • It provided for the establishment of a National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention or NACWC. This institution, formed in 2005, is the chief liaison between the government of India and the OPCW. It is an office in the Cabinet Secretariat of the GoI.

Source:TH

Project 75 India

Why in News

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the issuance of a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the construction of six conventional submarines under Project-75I (India).

• RFP is a project announcement posted publicly by an organization indicating that bids for contractors to complete the project are sought.

Key Points

• About the Project:
  
  • This project envisages indigenous construction of submarines equipped with the state-of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion system at an estimated cost of Rs. 43,000 crore.
  • Project 75 (I), approved in 2007, is part of the Indian Navy’s 30 year Plan for indigenous submarine construction.
  • It will be the first under the strategic partnership model which was promulgated in 2017 to boost indigenous defence manufacturing.
    
    • The strategic partnership model allows domestic defence manufacturers to join hands with leading foreign defence majors to produce high-end military platforms to reduce import dependence.
    • Acquisitions under the Strategic Partnership model refer to participation of private Indian firms along with foreign OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in ‘Make in India’ in defence.
• Significance:
  
  • One of the Largest ‘Make in India’ Projects:
    
    • It will serve to facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology and create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India.
  • To Ensure Self-Reliance:
    
    • From a strategic perspective, this will help reduce current dependence on imports and gradually ensure greater self-reliance and dependability of supplies from indigenous sources.
  • To Protect Indo-Pacific:
    
    • This is keeping in mind the rapid increase of nuclear submarine arsenal by People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) (CHINA) and to protect the Indo-Pacific from future domination by the adversary.
• About 30-year Submarine Plan:
  
  • The Cabinet Committee on Security, in June 1999, had approved a 30-year submarine-building plan which included construction of 24 conventional submarines indigenously by 2030.
  • P75I succeeded the P75 under which six diesel-electric attack submarines of the Kalvari class, based on the Scorpene class, were being built at MDL (Mazagon Dock Limited) – the third submarine, INS Karanj, was commissioned in March 2021.
  • Of the total 24 submarines to be built in India, six will be nuclear-powered.
  • India has only one nuclear submarine, INS Arihant, at the moment. The INS Arighat, also a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, is to be commissioned soon.
  • INS Chakra, a nuclear submarine, which is taken on lease from Russia, is believed to be on its way back to the country of origin.

Source: TH

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Why in News

On the occasion of the anniversary of Maratha king’s coronation day (6^th June), the Goa government has released a short film on Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Key Points

• Birth:
  
  • He was born on 19^th February, 1630 at Shivneri Fort in District Pune in the present-day state of Maharashtra.
  • He was born to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who held the jagirs of Pune and Supe under the Bijapur Sultanate and Jijabai, a pious woman whose religious qualities had a profound influence on him.
• Early Life:
  
  • He displayed his military zeal for the first time in 1645 when as a teenager, he successfully got control of the Torna Fort which was under Bijapur.
  • He also acquired the Kondana Fort. Both these forts were under Adil Shah of Bijapur.
• Important Battle:

Battle of Pratapgad, 1659	Fought at the fort of Pratapgad near the town of Satara, Maharashtra, between the forces of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Adilshahi general Afzal Khan.
Battle of Pavan Khind, 1660	Fought at a mountain pass in the vicinity of fort Vishalgad, near the city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, between the Maratha Sardar Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Siddi Masud of Adilshahi.
Sacking of Surat, 1664	Fought near the city of Surat, Gujarat, between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Inayat Khan, a Mughal captain.
Battle of Purandar, 1665	Fought between the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire.
Battle of Sinhagad, 1670	Fought on the fort of Sinhagad near the city of Pune, Maharashtra between Tanaji Malusare, a commander of Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj and Udaybhan Rathod, fortkeeper under Jai Singh I who was a Mughal Army Chief.
Battle of Kalyan, 1682-83	Bahadur Khan of the Mughal Empire defeated the Maratha army and took over Kalyan.
Battle of Sangamner, 1679	Fought between the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire. This was the last battle in which the Maratha King Shivaji fought.

• Conflict with Mughals:
  
  • He raided Mughal territory near Ahmednagar and in Junnar, 1657.
  • Aurangzeb responded to the raids by sending Nasiri Khan, who defeated the forces of Shivaji at Ahmednagar.
  • Shivaji defeated a large force of Shaista Khan (Aurangzeb’s maternal uncle) and the Bijapur army in Pune,1659.
  • In 1664, the wealthy Mughal trading port of Surat was sacked by Shivaji.
  • In June 1665, the Treaty of Purandar was signed between Shivaji and Raja Jai Singh I (representing Aurangzeb).
    
    • As per this treaty, many forts were relinquished to the Mughals and it was agreed that Shivaji would meet Aurangzeb at Agra. Shivaji also agreed to send his son Sambhaji as well.
• Arrest of Shivaji:
  
  • When Shivaji went to meet the Mughal emperor at Agra in 1666, the Maratha warrior felt he was insulted by Aurangzeb and stormed out of the court.
  • He was arrested and kept prisoner. The clever escape of Shivaji and his son from imprisonment in disguise out of Agra is legendary today.
  • After that there was peace between the Marathas and the Mughals until 1670.
  • The jagir of Berar which was granted to Sambhaji by the Mughals was taken back from him.
  • Shivaji in response attacked and recovered many territories from the Mughals in a short span of four months.
  • Through his military tactics, Shivaji acquired a large part of the land in the Deccan and western India.
• Granted Title:
  
  • He was crowned as the king of the Marathas on 6^th June , 1674, at Raigad.
  • He took on the titles of Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak.
  • The Maratha Kingdom founded by Shivaji grew larger over time and became the dominant Indian power in the early 18th century.
• Death:
  
  • He died on 3^rd April 1680.

Administration under Shivaji

• Central Administration:
  
  • It was founded by Shivaji for the sound system of administration which was greatly inspired from the Deccan style of administration.
  • Most of the administrative reforms were inspired from Malik Amber reforms in Ahmednagar.
  • The King was the supreme head of state who was assisted by a group of eight ministers known as the ‘Ashtapradhan’.
  • The peshwa, also known as the mukhya pradhan, originally headed the advisory council of the raja Shivaji.
• Revenue Administration:
  
  • Shivaji abolished the Jagirdari System and replaced it with Ryotwari System, and changes in the position of hereditary revenue officials which was popularly known as Deshmukhs, Deshpande, Patils and Kulkarnis.
  • Shivaji strictly supervised the Mirasdars who had hereditary rights in land.
  • The revenue system was patterned on the Kathi system of Malik Amber in which every piece of land was measured by Rod or Kathi.
  • Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were other sources of income.
    
    • Chauth amounted to 1/4^th of the standard which was paid to Marathas as a safeguard against Shivaji’s forces raiding Non-Maratha territories.
    • Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of 10% demanded from areas outside of the kingdom.
• Military Administration:
  
  • Shivaji organised a disciplined and efficient army.
  • The ordinary soldiers were paid in cash, but the chief and military commander were paid through jagir grants (Saranjam or Mokasa).
  • The army consists of Infantry i.e. Mavali foot soldiers, Cavalry i.e. Horse riders and equipment holders, Navy.

Source: IE

Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve and Vaigai River: Tamil Nadu

Why in News

The recently declared Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu will provide protection to Megamalai, the Vaigai’s primary catchment, in turn helping water levels to rise in the river.

Key Points

• About Vaigai River:
  
  • Origin and Tributaries:
    
    • It originates in the Western Ghats (Varushanad Hills).
    • It travels through the Pandya Nadu region of Tamil Nadu.
    • Its main tributaries are Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaganadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal and Upparu.
    • The Vaigai is 258 kms long and finally empties into the Palk Strait near the Pamban Bridge in Ramanathapuram district.
  • Heritage River:
    
    • The Vaigai was the river that flowed through the noted city of Madurai, the capital (4^th-11^th century CE) of the ancient and prosperous Pandya kingdom located in southern Tamil Nadu.
    • The river finds a mention in Sangam literature dated to 300 before the Common Era.
  • Significance:
    
    • The river fulfils the drinking water requirement of five districts of Tamil Nadu namely Theni, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai and Dindigul.
    • It also provides irrigation to 2,00,000 hectares of agricultural land.
• Rejuvenation of Vaigai:
  
  • Its deterioration happened at the end of the 18^th century when the British started deforesting the Megamalai region which acts as a major catchment for Vaigai. Consequently, the water flow in the river reduced gradually.
    
    • Some 2,00,000 people died in this region during the Great Famine of 1876-77.
  • Following the famine, the British Crown proposed diverting water from the Periyar river (Kerala) and feeding it to the Vaigai through a tunnel.
    
    • The Vaigai presently gets about 80% of its water from the Periyar dam. The balance 20% is obtained from the major watershed of the Megamalai region during the northeast monsoon season.
  • The Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve will protect wild animals and the natural forests, their habitats which act as watersheds.
• Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve:
  
  • Establishment:
    
    • It was established in February 2021. It was jointly declared by the Centre and Tamil Nadu governments.
    • For this, the Megamalai WLS and the adjoining Srivilliputhur WLS were clubbed together.
    • Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve is the fifth Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu, and 51^th tiger reserve of India.
  • Ecological Diversity:
    
    • Animals seen here are Bengal tiger, elephants, gaur, Indian giant squirrel, leopard, Nilgiri Tahrs, etc.
    • It has a mix of tropical evergreen forests and semi-evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests and moist mixed deciduous forests, grassland.
• Other four Tiger reserves of Tamil Nadu:
  
  • Anamalai tiger reserve
  • Kalakkad - Mundanthurai tiger reserve
  • Mudumalai tiger reserve
  • Sathyamangalam tiger reserve

Source: DTE

Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme

Why in News

Recently, on the occasion of World Environment Day (5^th June), the Tourism Minister appreciated the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme (IITFC).

Key Points

• About:
  
  • IITFC Programme is a digital initiative of the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), for the citizens of India to become a part of the booming Tourism Industry.
  • It is an online programme where one can learn about tourism at their own time, space, path and pace.
  • The successful completion of this programme would enable the learner to become a Certified Tourist Facilitator of the Ministry of Tourism.
• Tourism & Hospitality Sector in India:
  
  • In FY20, the tourism sector in India accounted for 39 million jobs, which was 8% of the total employment in the country. By 2029, it is expected to account for about 53 million jobs.
  • According to WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council), India ranked 10^th among 185 countries in terms of travel & tourism’s total contribution to GDP in 2019. During 2019, the contribution of travel & tourism to GDP was 6.8% of the total economy.
  • By 2028, international tourist arrivals are expected to reach 30.5 billion and generate revenue over USD 59 billion.
• Other Initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism:
  
  • DekhoApnaDesh Campaign:
    
    • It is an initiative to encourage the citizens to travel widely within the country and explore the wonders of India thus enabling the development of Domestic Tourism tourist facilities and infrastructure in tourism spots in the country.
  • Prashad Scheme:
    
    • The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive(PRASHAD) was launched in the year 2014-15 with the objective of holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
  • Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
    
    • Swadesh Darshan, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched in 2014-15 for integrated development of theme based tourist circuits in the country.
    • Currently, there are 15 theme based circuits - Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Eco, Heritage, Himalayan, Krishna, North-east, Ramayana, Rural, Spiritual, Sufi, Tirthankara, Tribal and Wildlife.
• Recent Initiatives:
  
  • In January 2021, the Union Tourism Minister announced plans to develop an international-level infrastructure in Kargil (Ladakh) to promote adventure tourism and winter sports.
  • As of March 2021, the e-Tourist Visa facility was extended to citizens of 171 countries.
  • The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) runs a series of Bharat Darshan tourist trains aimed at taking people to various pilgrimages across the country.
  • All India Tourist Vehicles Authorisation and Permit Rules, 2021: It was introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in which a tourist vehicle operator can register online for All India Tourist Authorisation/Permit.

Way Forward

• India’s travel and tourism industry has huge growth potential.
• The industry is also looking forward to the expansion of e-Visa scheme, which is expected to double the tourist inflow in India.
• India's travel and tourism industry has the potential to expand by 2.5% on the back of higher budgetary allocation and low-cost healthcare facilities according to a joint study conducted by Assocham and Yes Bank in 2017.

Source: PIB

37th Anniversary of Operation Blue Star

Why in News

Recently, the 37^th anniversary of Operation Blue Star was observed by the country.

Key Points

• Operation Blue Star:
  
  • It is a code name given to an Indian Military Operation to remove the separatists who were hidden inside the Golden Temple at Amritsar on 5^th June 1984.
  • The operation was ordered by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, primarily to take control of the Harmandir Sahib Complex in Amritsar (popularly known as the Golden Temple).
  • The Indian military entered into the premises of the temple to drive out the Sikh extremist religious leader, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his armed followers.
  • The operation had two components to it, Operation Metal which was the invasion on the temple complex and Operation Shop which was confined to the countryside of the state.
  • This Operation helped in eliminating Khalistani terrorism.
    
    • It resulted in the death of Bhindranwale.
    • Few months post-Operation Blue Star, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, followed by severe anti-Sikh riots in Delhi.
• Background:
  
  • Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale wanted the Indian government to pass the Anandpur Resolution, and thereby agree to the formation of a separate state of Khalistan for Sikhs.
  • Since 1982, this radical leader of Sikhism had managed to gain enough support for his cause and by mid-1983 had set up a base inside the Golden Temple complex, with ammunition and his followers.
  • Hence, Operation Blue Star was launched between 1^st June and 6^th June 1984, with the aim of getting rid of Bhindranwale and his demands.

Source:IE